I'm debating about putting the next hive of bees I get into a top bar hive. Granted I don't care about maximum honey yeild I just want to see the natural form of a brood nest. I've read about two types of TBHs(KTBH and TTBH) and I was wondering if the angle of a KTBH really reduces brace comb. I was also wondering if anyone had a prefered depth and/or length for their TBHs. Thanks.

> I was also wondering if anyone had a prefered depth and/or length for their TBHs.

With square sides, 19" bars (the size of a langstroth) and 10 1/8" depth (9 5/8" + 3/4" is the same as a Langsroth deep on a 3/4" bottom board) the combs all collapses on me. Like a row of dominoes. ALL the combs collapsed. With 10 1/8" depth 15" bars and sloped sides I've only ever had one comb collapse.

With square sides, 19" bars and 7 1/2" depth, I've had the same luck as the KTBH. Less depth seemed to prevent the comb collapse problems. You still have to be careful, of course, but they don't go down like a row of dominoes.